-
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England) Jan 2016Cross-sectional studies of occupational noise and cardiovascular effects show an association between noise and hypertension but for coronary heart disease or other... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Cross-sectional studies of occupational noise and cardiovascular effects show an association between noise and hypertension but for coronary heart disease or other cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) the evidence is not convincing.
AIMS
To assess possible associations between occupational noise exposure and the risk for cardiovascular effects in follow-up studies published after 1999.
METHODS
We performed a systematic critical literature review of original articles from key literature databases of associations between workplace noise and health. The studies were identified by search in Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and ProQuest Health and Safety Sciences Abstracts. We selected prospective studies of adequate quality with a measure of association between occupational noise exposure and cardiovascular health for the meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Twelve papers, all prospective and mostly with high quality but with methodological shortcomings in exposure assessment, were included in the review and meta-analysis. Exposure to noise at work was consistently positively associated with hypertension [Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.68; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10-2.57] and CVD [relative risk (RR) = 1.34; 95% CI 1.15-1.56]. In addition, we found a trivial effect of noise exposure on CVD mortality (HR = 1.12; 95% CI 1.02-1.24).
CONCLUSIONS
Occupational noise exposure is strongly associated with hypertension. For other cardiovascular effects, this meta-analysis suggests a weak association, but the evidence is limited. More longitudinal studies on the effects of occupational noise on the cardiovascular system are warranted.
Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; Humans; Hypertension; Noise, Occupational; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 26732793
DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqv148 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Dec 2021Meniscal lesions are common and are associated with the development of knee osteoarthritis. Knee-straining activities at work such as kneeling or squatting cause high... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Meniscal lesions are common and are associated with the development of knee osteoarthritis. Knee-straining activities at work such as kneeling or squatting cause high biomechanical stresses on the knee joints that can lead to acute or chronic injuries. The objective of this systematic review is to update the evidence on the potential relationship between occupational risk factors and meniscal lesions.
METHODS
We searched the Medline, Embase and Web of Science databases until August 2021 to identify epidemiological observational studies on the association between occupational risk factors and meniscal lesions. Study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. Effect measures were extracted from individual studies and pooled with random effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity analyses were conducted. We used GRADE (Grades of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) to assess the overall quality of evidence.
RESULTS
The database search resulted in 11,006 references, and 46 additional studies were identified through hand search. Twenty-two studies (represented in 25 publications) met the predefined eligibility criteria and nine records were included in the meta-analysis. There was only one study with an overall low risk of bias. Significant associations between occupational risk factors and the development of meniscal lesions were found for kneeling (effect size (ES) 2.15, 95% CI 1.67-2.76), squatting (ES 2.01, 95% CI 1.34-3.03), climbing stairs (ES 2.28, 95% CI 1.58-3.30), lifting and carrying weights ≥ 10 kg (ES 1.63, 95% CI 1.35-1.96), lifting and carrying weights ≥ 25 kg (ES 1.56, 95% CI 1.08-2.24), playing football on a professional level (ES 5.22, 95% CI 3.24-8.41), working as a hard coal miner (ES 5.23, 95% CI 2.16-12.69) and floor layers (ES 1.99, 95% CI 1.43-2.78). The overall quality of evidence according GRADE was moderate to low.
CONCLUSION
We found consistent evidence of an increased risk of meniscal lesions by occupational knee-straining exposures. Our findings are important for the development of preventive strategies to reduce work-related knee disorders and work absence.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO (registration no. CRD42020196279 ).
Topics: Humans; Knee Injuries; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Risk Factors
PubMed: 34911509
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-04900-7 -
Sleep Medicine Reviews Dec 2023Noise exposure in the workplace is one of the most common occupational hazards, which can affect sleep in the human. The effects of occupational noise can be different... (Review)
Review
Noise exposure in the workplace is one of the most common occupational hazards, which can affect sleep in the human. The effects of occupational noise can be different than that of environmental or social noise. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review on the effects of occupational noise on various characteristics of sleep. In this study, three electronic bibliographic databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science) were systematically searched up to 14 December 2022. The search algorithm included two sets of keywords and possible combinations. The first group was keywords related to occupational noise, and the second group was keywords related to sleep. A total of 2082 articles were identified in the initial search, and 2034 articles were excluded based on exclusion criteria or lacking inclusion criteria. Finally, 48 articles met the inclusion criteria and were selected for final review. Among 13 articles identified as high quality, all studies (100%) showed that noise had a significant effect on sleep among workers in various occupations. Among 17 articles with moderate quality, thirteen studies (76.47%) indicated that noise had a significant effect on sleep among workers in different occupations. Among 18 low-quality articles, fifteen studies (83.33%) showed that noise had a significant effect on sleep. 41 out of 48 studies (85.42%) found that occupational noise can negatively impact sleep among employees in various occupations. There are at least four potential pathways for this effect, including the physiological effect of daytime noise exposure, the psychological effect of daytime noise exposure, the effect of nighttime noise exposure, and the effect of hearing problems due to noise.
Topics: Humans; Noise, Occupational; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 37683554
DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2023.101846 -
Scandinavian Journal of Work,... Oct 2023The association between occupational mechanical exposures and low-back pain (LBP) has been studied in several systematic reviews. However, no systematic review... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
The association between occupational mechanical exposures and low-back pain (LBP) has been studied in several systematic reviews. However, no systematic review addressing chronic LBP exists. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the association between occupational mechanical exposures and chronic LBP.
METHODS
The study was registered in PROSPERO. We used an existing systematic review to identify articles published before January 2014. For studies published between January 2014 and September 2022, a systematic literature search was conducted in six databases. Two authors independently excluded articles, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias and level of evidence (GRADE). Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models comparing highest versus lowest exposure group with sensitivity analyses based on study quality (low/moderate versus high risk of bias), study design (cohort versus case-control), and outcome definition (non-specific LBP versus specific chronic LBP).
RESULTS
Twenty-six articles were included. Highest pooled odd ratios (OR) were found for combined mechanical exposures [OR 2.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-3.6], lifting/carrying loads (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.4-2.2), and non-neutral postures (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.9). For the remaining mechanical exposures (ie, whole-body vibrations, standing/walking, and sitting), OR ranged between 1.0 and 1.4. In the sensitivity analyses, generally, higher pooled OR were found in low/moderate risk of bias studies, case-control studies, and studies of specific chronic LBP.
CONCLUSIONS
Moderate evidence of an association was found for lifting/carrying loads, non-neutral postures, and combined mechanical exposures. Low or very low evidence was found for whole-body vibrations, standing/walking, and sitting. Studies using standardized exposure definition, metric, and technical measurements are highly warranted.
Topics: Humans; Low Back Pain; Back Pain; Risk Factors; Sitting Position; Occupational Exposure; Chronic Pain
PubMed: 37581384
DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.4114 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) Sep 2020To deliver a systematic review of the literature synthesizing data on the association of occupational physical activity with lung cancer risk in observational studies. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To deliver a systematic review of the literature synthesizing data on the association of occupational physical activity with lung cancer risk in observational studies.
DESIGN
Systematic review with meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCE
A literature search was performed in the electronic databases of PubMed/Medline and Embase.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
We screened peer-reviewed articles from prospective cohort and case-control studies assessing the association of occupational physical activity with lung cancer risk. A sex-specific meta-analysis assessed the association of high (compared to low/sedentary) level occupational physical activity with lung cancer risk, estimating the relative risk (RR) and odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
The systematic search identified 2065 articles, among which, eight journal articles met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis adjusted for age, smoking status and/or intensity, with a pooled sample size of 532,282 participants (men: 219,410; women: 312,872). A random-effect model of four prospective and four case-control studies indicated that men who engage in high-level occupational physical activity had a 15% higher risk (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04-1.28) of lung cancer than those engaging in low/sedentary-level occupational physical activity. There was no association observed among women (OR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.77-1.34) based on three available studies (prospective cohort: n = 2; case-control: n = 1).
CONCLUSIONS
Findings from the review suggest a higher risk of lung cancer among men reporting high-level occupational physical activity. Further prospective studies incorporating rigorous measures of domain-specific physical activity, detailed smoking status and intensity, and other occupational exposures are needed to elucidate this association.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION ID
CRD42019137911.
Topics: Exercise; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Occupational Health; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors
PubMed: 32651861
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-020-01312-w -
International Journal of Environmental... Jan 2019To carry out an integrated and stratified meta-analysis on occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs), metals and pesticides and its effects on amyotrophic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
To carry out an integrated and stratified meta-analysis on occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs), metals and pesticides and its effects on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, and investigate the possibility of publication bias. : In the current study, we updated our recently published meta-analyses on occupational exposures in relation to ALS, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Based on 66 original publications of good scientific epidemiological standard, according to the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) guidelines, we analysed subgroups by carrying out stratified meta-analyses on publication year, statistical precision of the relative risk (RR) estimates, inspection of the funnel plots and test of bias. : Based on 19 studies the weighted RR for occupational exposure to EMFs was 1.26 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07⁻1.50) for ALS, 1.33 (95% CI 1.07⁻1.64) for Alzheimer's disease and 1.02 (95% CI 0.83⁻1.26) for Parkinson's disease. Thirty-one studies concerned occupational exposure to pesticides and the weighted RR was 1.35 (95% CI 1.02⁻1.79) for ALS, 1.50 (95% CI 0.98⁻2.29) for Alzheimer's disease and 1.66 (95% CI 1.42⁻1.94) for Parkinson's disease. Finally, 14 studies concerned occupational exposure to metals and only exposure to lead (five studies) involved an elevated risk for ALS or Parkinson's disease and the weighted RR was 1.57 (95% CI 1.11⁻2.20). The weighted RR for all the non-lead exposures was 0.97 (95% CI 0.88⁻1.06). : Exposure to pesticides increased the risk of getting the mentioned neurodegenerative diseases by at least 50%. Exposure to lead was only studied for ALS and Parkinson's disease and involved 50% increased risk. Occupational exposure to EMFs seemed to involve some 10% increase in risk for ALS and Alzheimer's disease only.
Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Electromagnetic Fields; Humans; Lead; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Parkinson Disease; Pesticides; Risk; Risk Factors
PubMed: 30691095
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16030337 -
Parkinsonism & Related Disorders Mar 2015There is no consensus on the association between exposure to hydrocarbons and the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
There is no consensus on the association between exposure to hydrocarbons and the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarise the epidemiological evidence and included a new large case-control study.
METHODS
Data were extracted following a predefined protocol. Risk estimates regarding the association between hydrocarbon exposure and PD were consolidated to produce a summary odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p-value. In our case-control study, 1463 PD patients and 685 controls were recruited from clinical trials and completed a structured questionnaire describing their previous working exposure to hydrocarbons and other demographic measures. The association between exposure to hydrocarbons and risk of PD was evaluated using logistic regression.
RESULTS
The systematic search identified 13 case-control studies matching the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis included 3020 PD cases and 6494 controls. The summary OR was 1.32 (95% CI 1.08-1.62, p = 0.006) for hydrocarbon exposure (ever versus never). In the PD GEN study, occupational exposure to hydrocarbons significantly increased the risk of PD (OR = 1.61; 95% CI 1.10-2.36, p = 0.014), and risk dose-dependently increased for subjects exposed greater than 10 years compared to subjects never exposed (OR = 2.19; 95% CI 1.13-4.26, p = 0.021). The addition of PD GEN data increased the total numbers to 4483 PD cases and 7179 controls and strengthened the significant association (summary OR = 1.36; 95% CI 1.13-1.63, p = 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review supports a positive association between hydrocarbon exposure and PD. Data from prospective studies are required to reinforce the relationship between hydrocarbon exposure and PD.
Topics: Case-Control Studies; Female; Humans; Hydrocarbons; Male; Occupational Exposure; Parkinson Disease
PubMed: 25577023
DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2014.12.017 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Jun 2022The occurrence of a cluster of occupational cholangiocarcinoma(CCA) cases among Japanese workers at a small offset printing plant led to the hypotheses that occupational...
BACKGROUND
The occurrence of a cluster of occupational cholangiocarcinoma(CCA) cases among Japanese workers at a small offset printing plant led to the hypotheses that occupational exposure was the root cause of this cancer. Numerous workplace carcinogens can be found at various jobs sites and are integral to various industrial processes. Therefore, a systematic evaluation of potential occupationally-related CCA and likely exposure types is needed.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review on the cause of CCA in relation to occupation.
METHODS
The systematic review included papers published between 1980 and 2020. Databases included PubMed, Science Direct, CINAHL, ProQuest Medical Library, Springer, Wiley online library, and the Cochrane library. The review focused on CCA, intrahepatic CCA(as distinct from other types of liver cancer), and extrahepatic CCA(not including the gallbladder). While some occupations involve an expected risk of exposure to carcinogens, this study sought both primary reports on specific carcinogens or surrogates by occupation or industry title. Of the 65 English version abstracts, 18 studies were selected for in-depth review according to the eligibility criteria. Two occupational physicians independently assessed the relevance to the study objectives, data extractability, and data quality as per the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
RESULTS
The review revealed that ten observational studies met the eligibility criteria. There was heterogeneity of occupational exposure assessment and the reported results. The possible carcinogens statistical significantly related to the incidence or mortality of CCA risk included 1,2-dichloropropane (the highest RR = 32.40, 95%CI=6.40-163.90), asbestos (the highest OR=4.81, 95 % CI =1.73-13.33), endocrine-disrupting compounds (the highest OR =2.00, 95% CI=1.10-3.70), and rotating shift work (the highest HR =1.97, 95%CI=1.02-3.79). These carcinogens are classified as IARC class 1 and 2A.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the limited number of studies reviewed, the hypothesis of occupational risk for CCA was supported. Occupational health and safety measures may decrease exposure to these carcinogens, and surveillance in high-risk occupations or industries is urgently needed to prevent and control CCA.
Topics: Bile Duct Neoplasms; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic; Carcinogens; Cholangiocarcinoma; Humans; Occupations
PubMed: 35763622
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2022.23.6.1837 -
Critical Reviews in Toxicology Oct 2016Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are found widespread in the environment and humans. The relation of PFASs to fertility has now been examined in a... (Review)
Review
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are found widespread in the environment and humans. The relation of PFASs to fertility has now been examined in a relatively large number of epidemiologic studies and a synthesis is in order. The aim of this study was to assess the current human epidemiologic evidence on the association between exposure to PFASs and measures of human fertility, with particular emphasis on perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA). Systematic literature searches were initially conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE and subsequently in references and citations of included papers. Studies were included if they assessed exposure to PFASs in biological samples in relation to reproductive hormones, semen characteristics, or time to pregnancy (TTP). Study characteristics and results were abstracted to predefined forms, and the studies were assessed for the risk of bias and confounding. Sixteen studies investigated the association between PFAS exposure in men and semen parameters, reproductive hormone levels, or TTP. There was a lack of consistent results among the numerous investigated exposure-outcome combinations. However, subtle associations between higher PFOS and lower testosterone or abnormal semen morphology cannot be excluded. Eleven studies assessed the association between PFAS exposure in women and TTP or reproductive hormones levels. Four of eight studies found prolonged TTP with higher PFOS or PFOA, but only one study found an association when restricting to nulliparous women. In men, there is little evidence of an association between PFAS exposure and semen quality or levels of reproductive hormones. For PFOS and PFOA, the literature indicates an association with female fecundability in parous women, which is most likely not causal.
Topics: Alkanesulfonic Acids; Caprylates; Environmental Pollutants; Fertility; Fluorocarbons; Humans; Reproduction
PubMed: 27268162
DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2016.1182117 -
Scandinavian Journal of Work,... Jul 2018Objectives Precarious employment conditions have become more common in many countries over the last decades, and have been linked to various adverse health outcomes. The...
Objectives Precarious employment conditions have become more common in many countries over the last decades, and have been linked to various adverse health outcomes. The objective of this review was to collect and summarize existing scientific research of the relationship between dimensions of precarious employment and the rate of occupational injuries. Methods A protocol was developed in accordance with the PRISMA-P checklist for systematic literature reviews. We searched PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus for articles on observational studies from North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand published in peer-reviewed journals 1990-2017. A minimum of two independent reviewers assessed each article with respect to quality and eligibility criteria. Articles of high/moderate quality meeting all specified inclusion criteria were included in the review. Results The literature search resulted in 471 original titles, of which 17 articles met all the inclusion criteria. The most common exposures were in descending order; temporary employment, multiple jobs, working for a subcontractor at the same worksite/temp agency, part-time, self-employment, hourly pay, union membership, insurance benefits, flexible versus fixed work schedule, wages, job insecurity, work-time control and precarious career trajectories. Ten studies reported a positive association between precarious employment and occupational injuries. Four studies reported a negative association, and three studies did not show any significant association. Conclusions This review supports an association between some of the dimensions of precarious employment and occupational injuries; most notably for multiple jobholders and employees of temp agencies or subcontractors at the same worksite. However, results for temporary employment are inconclusive. There is a need for more prospective studies of high quality, designed to measure effect sizes as well as causality.
Topics: Accidents, Occupational; Contract Services; Employment; Global Health; Health Status; Humans; Occupational Health; Occupational Injuries; Risk Factors
PubMed: 29443355
DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.3720